The Government of Canada invests in cultural infrastructure in Thunder Bay

Government of Canada announces funding to relocate the Thunder Bay Art Gallery

THUNDER BAY, ON, July 17, 2018 /CNW/ - Investments in arts and culture infrastructure create jobs and support communities, making them better places to live.

Today, the Honourable Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament (Thunder Bay–Superior North), announced $11.5 million in funding for the Thunder Bay Art Gallery's Waterfront Relocation Project.

Minister Hajdu made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Provided through Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, this funding will support the construction of a new 38,500-sq. ft. building and modernized gallery and exhibition spaces.

The expansion and revitalisation of the gallery constitute an important element of a large‑scale municipal plan to develop a centralized and comprehensive culture and tourism hub along Thunder Bay's waterfront.

Quotes

"Cultural spaces like the Thunder Bay Art Gallery bring together people of all backgrounds. By supporting the renovation of cultural infrastructure, we are creating good jobs for the middle class, strengthening communities and helping to make arts and culture more accessible for all Canadians."

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Thunder Bay Art Gallery's expansion and relocation represent a major step forward in the revitalization of our city's waterfront. This funding will help us continue to be a community that appreciates, understands and supports the importance of art and culture."

—The Honourable Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament (Thunder Bay–Superior North)

"This is a historic day—the day on which the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery on the city's magnificent waterfront became a certainty. The Government of Canada's generous support will help ensure that this new community gathering space for visual arts becomes a reality. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, I sincerely thank the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, for recognizing the importance of this project and offering essential assistance that will let us bring this project to life."

—Sharon Godwin, Director, Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Quick Facts

Founded in 1974, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery exhibits, collects and interprets art with a particular focus on the contemporary artwork of Canadian Indigenous and Northwestern Ontario artists.

The Thunder Bay Waterfront Relocation Project will give the community access to a whole new curated space that includes dedicated studio/lecture hall space, a gift shop and a café.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for artistic creativity and innovation. The fund supports the improvement, renovation and construction of arts and heritage facilities, as well as the acquisition of specialized equipment.

Associated Links

Thunder Bay Art Gallery 
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca